Objective To provide a straightforward fixation device and method for needle warming moxibustion treatment on rats. Methods A coat was made for the rat from old cloth. Using the natural tendency of rats to like darkness and seek holes, the rat was bound in the coat. Bound rats were then hung on a cloth strip with S-shaped hooks to provide a swing, which completely exposed the acupoints for treatment. Rats were treated with needle warming moxibustion. We compared operation time and animal reaction between swinging rats bound with coat and bound rats only. Results Compared with the bondage method , the swinging method with rats bound with coat fixation required only one person to complete the operation, and the time required to fix one rat was significantly shorter (P< 0. 01). There was a minimal stress reaction in the process of binding, hanging, and needle warming moxibustion treatment. The needle drop rate was 10%, while in the bound group it was 60%. There was no scalding or death in the swinging rats. Thus, the needle warming moxibustion treatment was successfully administered. Conclusions Compared with the existing holder, the fixation method of needle warming moxibustion treatment on swinging rats bound with coat can reduce the stress response of rats and minimize manpower. It is easy to adjust the size of device, convenient to select acupoints, and is easy to operate. It is a more applicable method for needle warming moxibustion in the limbs of all types of rats.